Víctor Muñoz says Liverpool intensity is speeding up his development
Liverpool winger Víctor Muñoz says the Premier League’s physical demands and relentless training intensity are already accelerating his development after his €40 million move from Osasuna.
Muñoz adapting to Iraola’s Liverpool demands
The 21-year-old joined Liverpool on a six-year deal as Andoni Iraola’s first signing at Anfield, with the club overcoming competition from Newcastle for the Spanish forward.
Speaking while away with Spain ahead of Saturday’s Nations League meeting with Czechia, Muñoz outlined the biggest change since leaving La Liga.
“There are clear differences between La Liga and the Premier League,” he said. “La Liga is more tactical, while Premier League matches are more physical. The level of intensity in training is very high and you feel it. It is helping me improve.”
Muñoz has made five league appearances for Liverpool so far, scoring once as he settles into Iraola’s attacking setup.
A rapid rise from Osasuna to the national squad
The former Real Madrid academy player has returned to Spain duty after an injury denied him any playing time at the summer World Cup, despite being included in the country’s title-winning squad.
Now fit again, he came on after half-time in Tuesday’s match against Croatia. Muñoz admitted the pace of his recent progress has left little room to reflect.
“Everything has happened so quickly that I have not really had time to take it all in,” he said. “My family and I are trying to enjoy every moment. I am in a very good place.”
Timeline of Muñoz’s latest breakthrough
- Muñoz completed a €40 million switch from Osasuna, signing a six-year Liverpool contract.
- He became Iraola’s first Liverpool recruit and has recorded one goal across five Premier League outings.
- Injury kept him off the pitch during Spain’s World Cup-winning summer campaign.
- He returned to the Spain side as a substitute against Croatia on Tuesday.
- Spain face Czechia on Saturday before travelling to Croatia for Tuesday’s final match of the window.
Yamal competition is a learning opportunity
Muñoz faces a major fight for attacking minutes with Spain, particularly alongside Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Yamal struck twice and supplied an assist in Spain’s 4-1 win over Croatia in Seville.
Rather than viewing the competition as a setback, Muñoz believes training with his friend can raise his own level.
“I try to learn a lot from him,” Muñoz said of Yamal. “He is a good friend and we spend plenty of time together. To compete with him and watch him train is a privilege.”
Key takeaways
- Muñoz has identified physicality and training tempo as the main differences in English football.
- Liverpool paid €40 million for the winger and tied him down until the end of a six-year contract.
- His Spain return follows a World Cup summer in which injury prevented an appearance.
- Spain lead Nations League Group 3 with six points from two games.
- England and Croatia are three points behind Spain, while Czechia have no points.
